Oct 21 (Reuters) - Blackstone and TPG

have agreed to acquire medical diagnostics firm Hologic ( HOLX )

in an up to $18.3 billion deal, it said on Tuesday, marking one

of the largest healthcare take-private transactions this year.

Under the agreement, Blackstone and TPG will pay $76 apiece

in cash to acquire all outstanding Hologic ( HOLX ) shares, implying a

premium of nearly 6% to stock's last closing price.

Shareholders are also eligible for a non-tradable right to

receive up to $3 per share, contingent on certain global revenue

goals for its breast health business in fiscal years 2026 and

2027, bringing the total potential payout to $79 per share.

Hologic ( HOLX ) shares were up more than 4% in premarket trading,

after being briefly halted.

The company specializes in women's health diagnostics,

including breast and cervical cancer screening and infectious

disease testing.

It has seen steady growth in molecular diagnostics business

and reported upbeat financial results, but flagged continued

weakness in the breast health segment.

The deal is expected to close in the first half of 2026.